The School of Nursing and Health Sciences offers high-quality, experience-rich programs with outcomes focused on preparing students to be successful in a variety of in-demand healthcare professions.
A number of our programs have garnered regional and national recognition. Nursing and Health Sciences at Coastal Georgia are on the forefront of healthcare innovation and aim to provide education incorporating holistic care, patient advocacy, and collaborative practice.
Candidates maximize their experiential learning in public school, laboratory, and clinical settings based on their studies in the classroom. The affordable tuition, along with highly-qualified and engaged faculty, makes the College an easy choice for students looking to make an impact in the fields of Health Sciences and Nursing.
Completion of professional coursework includes internships, clinicals, and practicums, which provide supplemental knowledge beyond the classroom setting to prepare competent and caring professionals for the 21st Century. As you review the individual programs, you will learn more about the strength of our programs and success of our students. Our state-of-the-art facilities are an essential part of our hands-on teaching methodology, preparing students to thrive in their chosen professions.
Nursing and Health Sciences Majors and Degrees
Degrees
HEALTH SCIENCES (BS)
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EXERCISE SCIENCE
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HEALTH PROMOTION
RADIOLOGIC SCIENCE (AS)
Degrees
ASN (ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN NURSING)
BSN (PRE-LICENSURE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING)
RN TO BSN (BACHELOR’S DEGREE FOR LICENSED REGISTERED NURSES)
The College of Coastal Georgia offers bachelor’s and associate degrees, as well as minors and certificates.
Nursing Programs Earn Continuing Accreditation
This eight-year continued accreditation is the highest decision that can be presented to a program. The decision demonstrates the quality of the nursing programs at the College of Coastal Georgia and sets the College up for continued excellence and growth in the nursing department.
-Dr. Lydia Watkins, Southeast Georgia Health System Distinguished Chair, Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Sciences.
Gov. Kemp Appoints Dr. Lydia Watkins to Georgia Board of Nursing
My journey in nursing has been shaped by the compassion and resilience of both my colleagues and students. It’s a testament to what the collective efforts of our nursing community can do. Together, we will ensure a safe, competent nursing practice where nurses can thrive and feel supported.
Meet Our Faculty/Staff
Simulation Center
Hands-on learning that mirrors real clinical practice
The Simulation Center at Coastal Georgia immerses students in lifelike healthcare scenarios, building confidence and clinical skill before they enter real patient settings.
College Breaks Ground on $16M Expansion
Many of the clinical programs offered by the College of Coastal Georgia School of Nursing and Health Sciences require a clinical internship or practicum experience to fulfill degree requirements. Pursuant to the College’s legal agreements, participants in clinical experiences are required to abide by the workplace rules of the clinical site. Sometimes, these rules include vaccinations requirements. As always, the SONHS will continue to make every effort to place students at clinical sites. However, please be aware that we may be unable to locate a site to accept unvaccinated students, which may cause a delay or inability to progress and complete the program of study.
Contact Information:
Nichol James
James earned her Associate of Arts degree from the University of Phoenix.
Dr. Christine Brown
Anatomy & Physiology
Dr. Kathryn Ostrander
Education
DAT in Athletic Training, A.T. Still University
MPH in Public Health, Bryan University
MSEd in Kinesiology, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
BS in Kinesiology, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
My teaching and research interests focus on the integration of exercise science, health promotion, and behavioral strategies to improve overall wellness and performance. I am particularly interested in exploring the physiological and psychological determinants of physical activity and how evidence-based interventions can foster sustainable health behavior change. Additionally, I support students in applying biomechanics and strength and conditioning principles through internships and in-the-field training to optimize human movement and enhance athletic performance.
Dr. Ashley Barnes
Program Coordinator for ASN, RN-BSN
Dr. Barnes earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Georgia Southwestern State University, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Georgia Southern University, and her Associate of Science in Nursing from the College of Coastal Georgia. She is a Certified Nurse Educator. Prior to joining the Coastal Georgia faculty, Dr. Barnes worked for three years in CCU.
Dr. Laura Grantham
Assistant Professor
Education
DNP in Nursing Educational Leadership, Post University
MSN in Nursing, Adult Nurse Practitioner, Georgia Southern University, formerly Armstrong Atlantic State University
BSN in Nursing, Georgia Southern University, formerly Armstrong Atlantic State University
ASN in Nursing, College of Coastal Georgia, formerly Coastal Georgia Community College
LPN in Nursing, College of Coastal Georgia, formerly Brunswick College
Teaching and Research Interests/Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
Nursing Leadership & Management
Ethics of Nursing Practice
Fundamentals of Nursing Care
Putting it All Together, combining nursing concepts for success.
Computer-based testing versus paper-based testing in an ASN program.
Nichol James
James earned her Associate of Arts degree from the University of Phoenix.
Dr. Nevada LeCounte
Simulation Specialist
Dr. LeCounte is currently working to earn her Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. She received her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Central Missouri, and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Georgia College and State University. She is a Certified Medical Surgical Registered Nurse, a Progressive Care Certified Nurse, and a Certified Nurse Educator. Ms. LeCounte has several years of experience working on the intermediate and critical care units at Memorial University Medical Center. She began her career on a medical-surgical floor with a population spanning from pediatrics to geriatrics. She has additional experience caring for step-down, emergency, and postpartum patients.
Kashawn Littlejohn
Littlejohn earned her Associate of Arts degree at South Georgia State College. Her certifications include Georgia Healthcare Financial Management Association – Certified Patient Account Representative.
Dr. Nicole Masano
Education
DNP in Nursing, Georgia Baptist College of Nursing of Mercer University
Post-Master’s Certificate in Health Informatics, University of Illinois at Chicago
MSN in Maternal-Newborn Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago
BSN in Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago
Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
My academic and professional focus centers on advancing community-based healthcare and maternal-newborn nursing through innovative, evidence-based practices. I am dedicated to improving health outcomes for mothers and infants by bridging the gap between clinical settings and community resources, ensuring equitable access to quality care. Furthermore, I am deeply committed to active engagement in teaching, employing student-centered pedagogical strategies that foster critical thinking and practical skill acquisition. By integrating my research into the classroom, I aim to inspire the next generation of nurses to become compassionate, skilled practitioners and advocates for public health.
Dr. Tara Mosher
Mosher earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus. Prior to that, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from San Diego State University, and her Associate of Science in Nursing from Clayton State College. Her clinical expertise centers around surgical ICU and trauma.
Dr. Maryanne Sandberg
Student Success Counselor
Dr. Sandberg earned her Doctor of Education – Nurse Educator from the University of West Georgia, her Master of Science in Nursing from Western Governors University, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Phoenix, and her Associate of Science in Nursing from Burlington County College in Pemberton, New Jersey. Her professional affiliations include AACN, NLN, and Sigma Theta Tau International.
Dr. Lydia Watkins
Education
D.N.P. in Nursing, University of Alabama, Birmingham
M.S.N. in Nursing, University of Alabama, Birmingham
B.S.N. in Nursing, Samford University
A.S.N. in Nursing, Samford University
Teaching and Research Interests / Recent Publications or Scholarly Output
Nursing clinical practice, teaching and research areas of focus include pediatrics, pediatric hematology/oncology, pediatric hospice/palliative care. Academic focus areas of research center around service-learning’s benefits in the education and professional development of future nurses, as well as leadership development and methods to increase student success throughout academic programs.